Audi A3 Cabriolet: German Small Car Flips Lid

Motoring Channel Staff - 6/December/2007

Ingolstadt, Germany — Audi has taken the wraps off what could become its most popular convertible yet, the A3 Cabriolet.

To be launched in Europe during February 2008, the new convertible will be more affordable than the A4 Cabriolet and Audi TT Roadster, opening up the premium convertible market to more buyers.

Using a folding cloth roof that can fold away in an incredibly quick 9 seconds, the new model is based on the A3 and features a contemporary new style evidenced in the high tech headlight design.

Audi has revealed that it will offer the vehicle with a range of four engines, though at this stage it's unclear whether all of them will make their way to Australia.

All engines will be 4-cylinder units, two petrol and two diesel, and all of them are turbocharged direct injection engines (TFSI and TDI).

Petrol Engines

• 1.8-litre TFSI: 118kW (160hp) and 250Nm of torque. It propels the A3 Cabriolet to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds with a 6-speed manual gearbox and on to 218km/h. It accomplishes the EU driving cycle on an average of 7.3 litres per 100 km. Alternatively Audi can supply the sporty S tronic automatic.
  
  Technically speaking, the 1.8 TFSI is a very close relation of the 2.0 TFSI that was voted "Engine of the Year" three times in a row by an international panel of journalists.

• 2.0-litre TFSI: 147kW (200hp) and 280Nm of torque. With the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox that is available alongside the 6-speed manual gearbox, the A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI sprints from zero to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds; its top speed is 231km/h. It uses on average 7.6 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

Diesel Engines

• 1.9-litre TDI: 77kW (105hp) and 250Nm of torque. This model takes 12.3 seconds to pass the 100km/h mark, and the top speed is 185km/h. This diesel version uses just 5.1 litres of fuel per 100 km and will be available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox which makes it unlikely to come to Australia (where 75% of cars sold are automatics).

• 2.0-litre TDI: 103kW (140hp) and 320Nm of torque. The zero to 100km/h takes 9.9 seconds and this model can reach a top speed of 204km/h. The 2.0 TDI is content to clock up 100 kilometres on an average of just 5.3 litres of fuel and its emissions already undercut the limits of the future Euro 5 standard. As an option, Audi can supply the high-tech S tronic auto transmission instead of the manual 6-speed gearbox.

The new Audi A3 Cabriolet is being hailed as a 'true' 4-seater because the folded cloth roof occupies little space, which meant that Audi did not have to move the rear bench seat further forward.

The latest convertible car from Audi has a good deal of practicality built in, something that these types of cars aren't always known for.

The rear seat backs split 50:50 and can be released from the luggage compartment. This improves luggage space to 674 litres which is "ample even for large items of sports equipment" according to Audi.

With the seats in the standard arrangement the luggage compartment has 260 litres, whether the roof is open or closed.

Entry-level models get a semi-automatic roof, while range-topping models get the fully automatic roof.

Options for the new Audi A3 Cabriolet include multifunction steering wheels, deluxe automatic air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated seats and reverse parking aids. Xenon plus headlights and the adaptive cornering lights are also available if you don't mind spending on options, plus there's also a storage package for the interior and luggage compartment and a ski and snowboard bag further add to the practical utility of the A3 Cabriolet.

Above and beyond the normal extras, there's the 'S line' upgrade which comprises an exterior package for the body and a sports package for the suspension, adding an overtly sporty look to the A3 Cabriolet.

Giving the Audi it's handling characteristics are independent suspension all around. The suspension system is matched with a "precise, firm-acting rack-and-pinion steering" system that uses electromechanical power assistance with speed-dependent control. The system does not use energy when the car is driving in a straight line, saving 0.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on average according to Audi's measurements.

The optionally available sports suspension lowers the body by 15mm while increasing damping rates for reduced bodyroll. Entry-level Audi A3 Cabriolets come with 16-inch wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres. Upper models get 17-inch aluminium wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres are standard. Safety systems such as large disc brakes, ESP, and a range of airbags will be standard.

Audi will be marketing its new A3 drop top as sporty, elegant, and emotion-packed when it launches the vehicle in Europe from early 2008.

Related Articles:
- Audi RS 6 (2008)
- Audi S3 (Road Test)
- Audi Metroproject quattro Concept (2009)
- Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro Concept (2007)
- Audi A4 (2008)
- Audi TT Coupe (Road Test)
- Audi RS 4 (Road Test)
- Audi S8 (Road Test)
- Audi Cross Coupé quattro (2007)
- Audi A5 (2007)
- Audi S4 (Road Test)
- Audi R8 (2007)
- Audi A6 (Road Test)
- Audi A8 (Road Test)
- Audi Q7 V12 (2007)
- Audi S6 (2007)